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Video: Wall Street Was Occupied In 1979
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 18, 2011
Modified Oct 18, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 18, 2011
Modified Oct 18, 2011
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Recalling that quote your 9th grade history teacher told you about "Those who fail to learn history, something something," AnimalNY finds this clip from the movie Early Warnings, which profiles a sit-in on Wall Street for the 50th Anniversary of the NYSE crash in 1929. You get the essential visions of the NYPD dragging protesters away, a brass band, and besuited brokers chomping on cigars. Throw in a few "mic checks" and "hottie slideshows" you're basically in Zuccotti Park.
The 1979 sit-in was to protest corporate support of nuclear power (still a relevant gripe today), specifically at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. It should be noted that most of the large banks were still headquartered near Wall Street in 1979, and no one yet knew what high-frequency trading was. Protesters' costumes were also a lot creepier looking, and involved stilts.
Tagged
1979
occupy wall street
wall street
Zuccotti Park
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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